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Cooney & Conway Staff Collects Gifts to Send Kids Around the World

Operation Christmas Child delivers shoeboxes of toys to children in over 100 countries

Operation Christmas Child is the world’s largest Christmas project, bringing joy and hope to children in need around the world through shoe boxes filled with gifts. More than 100 million gifts have been delivered to children in more than 130 countries. Legal assistant Kirstin Goodrich is once again leading the charge for Cooney & Conway’s involvement in this worthwhile cause.

“The Christmas season is the perfect time to bring happiness to children who need a little something extra and I feel humbled to assist in that,” she said.

Kirstin’s co-workers were eager to help out and donated a wide range of items including toys, pencils, puzzles, stickers, balls, yo-yos, jump ropes, notebooks, as well as health care items like soap, body wash, band aids, and washcloths.

“As soon as you see the pictures of the kids opening up the gifts and seeing the excitement and joy on their faces it brings you a different type of feeling,” said paralegal Heather Malloy. “ They’re so thankful for every little gift they receive.”

Employees Donated and Packed up Shoe Boxes to be Sent Around the World

Donations came in for two weeks. Toys and other gifts were packed in a conference room, so employees could assemble over 30 shoeboxes stuffed with toys and supplies to be sent to children across the globe.

“Taking the time to assemble the box is part of the fun and makes the gifts unique and different for each kid,” paralegal Rick Koling said. “It feels great helping kids by providing things they need but don’t always realize they need and would not otherwise have the chance to receive.”

Kirstin first participated in a gift-giving event from Operation Christmas Child while on a mission trip to Haiti in 2014. The program is run through the humanitarian aid organization Samaritan’s Purse, collecting and delivering shoeboxes filled with toys, school supplies, personal items, and other small gifts to children in poor or developing countries around the world.

“I had the incredible opportunity of meeting the parents and helping the kids enjoy the items they received,” Kirstin said. “The smiles on their faces when they opened the boxes is something I will never forget.”

Making a Positive Change

Participants in the program receive notification about where in the world their donated boxes are going. In 2016, all her shoeboxes full of presents went to children in Malawi.

“It is important to help our community and try to give back,” Rick said. “We are making a positive change in the world.”

Steve Koek is the Digital Marketing Manager at Cooney & Conway, and is responsible for the administration of the firm's web site and social media platforms. He can be reached at skoek@cooneyconway.com or through LinkedIn.